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How to Keep a Smartphone From Being Hacked

posted Apr 21, 2016, 10:43 AM by Resty Manapat

Even
if you keep your smartphone safe in your pocket or purse, it's still
at risk for picking up a virus or leaking data to thieves. Hackers don't need
physical access to your phone to steal your personal information or infect the
device with malware. They infiltrate your phone with innocent-looking apps or
link to it via unsecured Wi-Fi® networks. You can keep hackers from getting the
upper hand by taking steps to secure your smartphone.

Step 1

Lock
your phone when you're not using it. Set a password and change it regularly to
prevent others from guessing it. Lock patterns are an alternative if you have
trouble remembering your password. Your phone may also have a
facial-recognition lock feature. If this is on, the device unlocks only when
the camera detects your face. Voice recognition is
another option; with this turned on, your phone needs to hear your voice say a
specific word or phrase to unlock.

Step 2

Activate
your phone's tracker capability, if it has one. If your phone supports this
feature, you can see its location on a map and track the device when it moves.
If your phone is stolen or lost, use the tracker app to lock it remotely. This
makes it harder for hackers to access your data.

Step 3

Update
your phone's firmware to the most current version. Many phones do this for you
automatically, but if you've turned this option off, you'll need to download
the update manually. You can download the latest update directly from your
phone. Alternatively, connect your phone to the computer and launch the
software that came with the device. The application will connect to the
download Web page and install the firmware on your phone.

Step 4

Install
apps on your phone only if they come from a trusted source, such as the
manufacturer's app store. Most official app stores verify the authenticity of
their products, so they're much safer. Before downloading any app, read the
description and reviews so you understand what you're getting.

Step 5

Check
an app's permissions before installing it. If an app requests access to your
personal information, don't install it or deny the request.

Step 6

Avoid
leaving your phone alone in a public place, such as on a restaurant table or on
your office desk. If you must leave the phone, keep it locked and hide it
somewhere, such as in a drawer, to prevent theft.

Step 7

Delete
text messages from unknown senders that ask for your information, and avoid
clicking links in messages. Some hackers send messages that appear to be from
your bank or another trusted source. If you click the link in the message, the
hacker can steal your information or install malware on the phone. Don't
download apps via text message; this is a common way for hackers to infect your
device.

Step 8

Access
the Internet on your phone only from a secure Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi networks
that aren't secure allow nearby hackers to intercept your data when you get
online. Don't do any shopping or banking on a public Wi-Fi network; hackers can
swipe your bank account number or other financial information.
Instant-messaging and other communications apps may contain security holes that
allow hackers to snatch your personal data. If you have access to a cellular
network, use it instead of public Wi-Fi.

Step 9

Protect
your phone with an anti-virus app. Check your phone's app store to see what's
available for your device.

Tip

Your
smartphone may have been hacked if you notice apps opening by themselves or if
the battery drains much faster than normal. Unusual charges on your wireless
bill also indicate a problem.

Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation. This site and its information is not legal advice, nor is it intended to be. Feel free to get in touch by electronic mail, letters or phone calls, please withhold from sending any confidential information to us.